⭐ Movie Review: The Polar Express 2 (2025) ⭐
“Two decades after the original enchanted audiences, The Polar Express 2 arrives as a surprisingly heartfelt and visually dazzling continuation of the Christmas classic. Directed with a balance of nostalgia and modern flair, the film dares to answer a simple question: what happens when the children who once rode the magical train grow up?
This time, the story follows Lily, a young girl who discovers her father was one of the original passengers. When she unexpectedly boards the Polar Express on Christmas Eve, audiences are whisked away once again into a world of shimmering snow, glowing lights, and boundless holiday wonder. The train’s return trip introduces new characters while reuniting us with familiar faces—including the Conductor, once again brought to life with Tom Hanks’ unmistakable warmth through motion capture.
Visually, the film is stunning. The animation has evolved immensely since 2004, yet it retains the dreamlike, slightly surreal quality that made the first movie so memorable. The snowstorms feel more alive, the landscapes more expansive, and the North Pole sequence is nothing short of breathtaking. Composer Alan Silvestri returns with a sweeping score that blends new themes with the beloved motifs of the original.
What makes The Polar Express 2 work is its emotional core. The film explores themes of belief, memory, and the bittersweet passage of time. It’s less about discovering whether Santa is real and more about rediscovering the magic of childhood through the eyes of the next generation.
Though some critics may argue the plot is lighter than it could have been, the film’s heart and atmosphere more than make up for it. Families will laugh, cry, and once again find themselves believing—even if only for a night.
A rare sequel that honors the spirit of the original while forging its own path, The Polar Express 2 is destined to become a new holiday tradition.
🎬 Rating: 4.5/5
